Shooting defendant, 17, facing trial as an adult

10/28/2008

A 17-year-old boy accused of robbing and shooting a University of Toledo student in September near the school's main campus will be tried as an adult, Lucas County Juvenile Court Judge Connie Zemmelman decided yesterday.

Ronald Cole of 740 Turner Ave. was transferred yesterday to the county jail, where he was being held in lieu of $150,000 bond. He has been detained at the Juvenile Justice Center since his arrest Oct. 4, authorities said.

The Cole youth was charged with three counts of aggravated robbery.

County Assistant Prosecutor Lori Olender said the case likely will be presented to a county grand jury next week. Additional charges could be filed.

The victim, Evan Smith, 18, of Carter Hall, a dormitory on the UT campus, and two female acquaintances of the Cole youth testified during a probable cause hearing yesterday, Ms. Olender said.

Mr. Smith was walking with his friends shortly after midnight Sept. 28 in the 1000 block of Broer Avenue, a block from campus, when the Cole youth approached him, displayed a silver pistol, and demanded money, police said.

Mr. Smith said he handed over his wallet and turned to run but was shot in the right hand and right shoulder. He was treated at Toledo Hospital, police said.

Ms. Olender said the Cole youth moved to Toledo from Cuyahoga County in August.